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November 2nd, 2009 | in Camping, Hiking | Leave a comment

CCCCamping trip is another word for adventure. To make your head spin with excitement you should have all aspects of the trip all planned out. This will include certain items. While the camping trip and the place where you will stay are important there are some others that you will need to look into. These items will be under the heading of camping equipment.

As you look into the various camper rental accommodations available you will need to check what sort of facilities are provided at these places. Knowing these details will help you to plan on the camping equipment that you can use to make the trip more enjoyable. As some camping sites will include lots of outdoor activities you might want to include some sporting equipment with the rest of your gear.

Once you have gotten your camping trip all sorted out you can begin to see what camping equipment is needed. In general many of us know what the general camping equipment is. Just to let you know what the basic items are here is a brief look. You will need to have a tent, sleeping bag, camping chair, folding camping table, cooking items and eating items. Now let’s take a deeper look into the camping equipment that you can use.

There are lots of different tents that you can choose from to make your camping trip extremely comfortable. You will find that you have family tents, single tents, and trailer tents. Each of these many tents have lots of great features which make them ideal for camping. You should look at the many different camping chairs that you can buy. You will find that getting really comfortable ones will make camping all the more enjoyable.

Camping tents and other basic camping equipment aside you will find that other items can be found to make your trip more relaxing. Among these items you might want to include insect repellent, a strong camping lantern, powerful torches, a radio to keep you company in the night and others items.

By choosing all of the appropriate camping equipment that you can find you will be able to enjoy the best camping trip ever. And all that is needed is to know what items and products you need to stock up on. For a great camping trip take your time and pack only the best and right camping equipment that you can find and afford.
by Vlad Suski

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October 28th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

OOOCamping backpacks store all the essential items needed for a hassle free-camping trip. Flexibility in space and equal weight distribution are the hallmarks of good camping backpacks. Most camping backpacks are light weight and reliable.

Almost all the camping backpacks have two compartments along with zippered and mesh pockets. Capacity and pack weight vary with each product. Torso range of most camping backpacks is between fourteen and twenty-four inches. Hip belt fits, compression straps, and sternum strap are also found in most camping backpacks. Removable side pockets and load-stabilizer straps are found in some models. There are both frame and frame less camping backpacks.

It is always wise to choose a camping backpack with frame. There are camping backpacks with internal frames and external frames. A modern internal-frame camping backpack is highly durable and avoids most of the problems associated with backpacks. The camping backpacks of modern day are a clever amalgamation of foam, plastic, and aluminum.

Framework, hip belt, shoulder straps, back panel, materials used, and construction are some of the elements to be carefully noted while purchasing a camping backpack. Make sure that the framework transfers weight to the hip using V-shaped stays. When the weight is transferred from the shoulder to the hip, the pack should remain flexible. A hard frame sheet strengthens the camping backpack and prevents sharp items from poking your back.

The hip belt is a crucial component in a camping backpack, as it receives all the weight. It should have enough stiffness to support the backpack without sagging. Soft hip belts wear out soon and transfer the weight to the hip. This makes walking tiresome. A hard hip belt can create bruises. Choose a hip belt that compresses slowly. It is better to avoid soft and hard belts at all places. A sweaty back is something that all campers like to avoid while using camping backpacks. Certain camping backpacks come with firm, compression-molded back panels with channels that allow airflow.

Today, several online stores offer highly efficient camping backpacks that suit all situations. Most of these sites provide reviews about the product, providing an opportunity to learn more about each product.
by Elizabeth Morgan

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October 27th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

NNNCamping tips can save your life. It can make a difference between a good camping trip and one that you would not miss. But camping tips are just that; tips. Camping tips are not rules you should live by. Though some camping tips are meant to be followed to the word, not all of them may apply to you situation.

Camping tips are useful but bear in mind that there are always a better and easier way of doing things. Especially in the wild where it can get pretty unpredictable some camping tips may seem like a good thing to follow but if things don’t turn out well you should consider other options.

Never dismiss a possible way of doing things just because of some camping tips. Remember that it’s the wilderness and a chance to get creative. In no way am I suggesting that you disregard all camping tips. In fact I am encouraging you to seek them out before you go for a camping trip. I’m just saying you should be open to new possibilities, new ways of doing things with better and more sophisticated camping equipment (or without).

Some camping tips may be timeless though and may prevent you from making mistakes that could put you in danger or make your life miserable. An example of a camping tip that is timeless is having a camping checklist when you prepare your camping gear, camping equipment and supplies before the camping trip. Camping lists are critical to your success in camping and they evolve as you become more experienced and are different for different situations.

To have what you need or what you’re likely to need with you can quite possibly mean life or death especially if you’re hiking in the wilderness where hiking and camping equipment are more critical unless you’re a star in “Man vs Wild.” But you should know that even experienced hikers/campers who have been doing it for decades still refer to camping checklists for their hiking and camping equipment, gear and supplies preparation.

One of those camping tips that “experts” like to talk about first and for good reason is the one on hiking boots. If you are just camping on a campsite and not much walking is involve so can pretty much use any footwear you like.

If you are hiking it’s important that you use a good pair of hiking boots that are comfortable, protects your feet, supports your feet under heavy load, has good ventilation but still repels water and flexible enough that it encourages your foot’s natural movement.

With that said, everyone’s natural foot movement may be different from each others’ so if someone is giving you camping tips on which hiking boots to use then just take it as a guideline because what works for him may not work for you.

Like some things in hiking and camping it has to be with trial and error that you choose the perfect hiking boots. Some may give you recommendation based on trials that were made on short hikes.

Less than an hour’s hiking can be considered a short hike. But what happens on short hikes is that you can’t usually tell if the hiking boots are causing you blisters or not. Blisters can be such a horrible thing to have on a hiking trip and you would want to by any means avoid them like providing some padding on the areas of your feet that are prone to blisters.

Even without padding there are likely some good hiking boots out there for you that won’t give you any blisters even after several weeks of hiking. Having a perfect fit and breaking in the hiking boots are good camping tips that help to reduce the chances of blisters when you’re hiking.

Camping tips on backpacks and packing helps you carry your load better, protect your load and keep your camping equipment dry. You may be told to use a particular type of backpack that is supposedly perfect but the perfect backpack can only be determined by yourself as the fitting is also unique to you based on your torso length. Try out a backpack which is at least lightly loaded.

You may get some camping tips on which camping food you should pack. But the best way to choose the right camping food for you is based on trial and error. You can also choose camping food based on scientific nutritional methods which is based on calculations of nutritional content of various food and how much calories you need.

Almost all prepared food today provides a list of contents and nutritional value and according to scientific data you burn a different number of calories for different activities. The amount of calories you need for different activities provided by scientific data are merely rough estimations and the efficiency on which you do these activities may vary drastically from hour to hour.

The biggest variable still is the individual. It is about how you function personally. That’s why by trial and error is the best way to choose your camping food particularly for hiking. Obviously, if you are just hiking on a campground any food can be based largely on taste.

Camping tips are great but you need to keep in mind that they are not rules and many camping tips are made with disregard to the individual which is the deciding factor. Whether you are looking for the best hiking boots, backpack or camping food, what’s right for you is tailored to you. The best way is try them out or to find out by trial and error.

Your initial choice may be based on reviews or ratings or camping tips but as you become more mature in hiking and camping only you can say what is best for you.

by Jonsky Sicuna

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October 26th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

MMMA wonderful way to invest in your families’ treasure trove of memories is by spending time in the great outdoors. Camping trips can be an excellent tradition that your family will look forward to and in time, look back upon with fond memories.

Whether you plan to camp at the same place every year or seek out new places doesn’t matter as camping is always filled with new adventures. Your family might have a favorite place you go to every year mixed with a new spot you select together for another weekend or extended holiday during the year. There are so many national parks to explore; your options really are quite limitless.

Camping doesn’t have to be an overly expensive expenditure. Again this all depends on how you’ll be camping. Camping in a tent carries a completely different dynamic than camping in a fully equipped camper. Camping in a tent is also relatively inexpensive. Perhaps the camper is something you’ll decide to invest in after a few years of tent camping, then again there are some who prefer to only go tent camping. There’s something to be said about the rustic quality of sleeping in a tent, you can hike to far off remote spots where you couldn’t get to with a camper in tow.

Regardless of how you’ll be camping you’ll want to have the proper camping gear and accessories. First off you want to have the best tent and sleeping bags you can possibly afford. As your tent will be your home away from home for your trip and your sleeping bag will keep you warm and covered for those long nights under the stars (there are tents available that have mesh roofs for star gazing, of coarse if it starts to rain, you can just cover it up with your tent fly), you’ll want to be sure that both these items keep you appropriately covered so to speak.

Next you’ll want to have proper camp accessories; a trustworthy camp stove, a lantern, flashlights, a first aid kit, tarp, cooking and eating utensils, a little axe (for chopping firewood, also doubles as a hammer for hammering in tent pegs), some rope (for clothes lines and securing tarp), and cooler. Along with your sleeping bag you’ll want to remember comfy pillows (unless your backpacking then you might want a convenient inflatable pillow) and very importantly a good sleep pad. An uncomfortable sleep experience on hard ground may steer you off tent camping altogether, so come prepared, a good sleeping pad is worth its weight in gold. A good idea to help you remember all these items is the camping check list.

It’s a good idea to store your camp gear in some plastic containers. This way it’s all in one place (with your camp list included), so when it’s time to pack up and go camping you can go through the containers making any necessary additions needed. It’s very important to check that all your equipment is properly maintained and cared for; there is nothing worse than getting to your destination and finding that your camp stove is not working. You’ll also want to be sure that your camp fuel supply is replenished and you have extra batteries (for flashlights, lanterns or radios).

One of the best things about the whole camping experience is the food. Now depending on where you’re camping and what time of year it is, if you’re lucky you’ll be able to do some of your cooking around the campfire. During dry seasons there may be fire restrictions due to forest fire concerns, if that’s the case you’ll do all your cooking atop your camping stove. Every meal always seems to taste a bit better when you’re camping, it might have something to do with all the fresh air, or maybe all the fun activity builds up you’re appetite, either way you’ll want to bring along some family favorites. For dinner maybe some grilling of the families select choices, accompanied by some corn on the cob and potatoes wrapped in tin foil cooked on the coals with a nice salad and later for dessert smores (marshmallow and a slice of chocolate sandwiched between two graham wafers), add to that some hot chocolate before bed and that’s a night of food to dream about.

The activities (or lack of activities) will also make your camping trip one to remember. Hiking, kayaking, cycling and sailing might be on your agenda. Most parks offer excellent groomed hiking trails. Research in advance the area you will be visiting to know what activities will be available, you may be able to rent a kayak and take a lesson at the same time. Many areas also offer great bike trails that the family can cycle on together. A late night walk is among favorite suggestions; you can check out the stars and just listen to the silence.

Bring along a book you’ve wanted to read or some magazines. Games are another excellent pastime, a deck of cards or a board game might be some fun. Of course you can always bring along some baseball gloves and a ball for a game of catch. Soccer balls, badminton rackets and a net or volleyball and net all make for a fun day at the park.

If your family has little one’s you’ll be presented with a whole new challenge. Depending on the ages of your babies or toddlers you’ll want to pack some extra conveniences. There are excellent baby back carriers available allowing you to hike all sorts of terrain with baby in tow while keeping your back feeling comfortable, as well there are a numerous variety of baby strollers to select from which are great for using on trails. For toddlers you may want to bring a playpen to keep baby safe. You can never bring too many toys; the more your child has to keep them entertained you can rest assure they will be more content.

Be prepared for weather changes by bringing along extra clothing. Most likely you will be camping in the warmer spring, summer and fall months. It’s wise to remember however that the evenings can often get quite cool. Bring along heavy sweaters or extra jackets for added warmth, it can never hurt to bring along a couple of extra blankets for comfort beside the fire (or for use at a day picnic). Rain wear is another excellent addition to your camping wardrobe. With good quality rain jackets, hats, rain pants and boots you can take advantage of the rainy weather and actually go out for a hike rather than staying inside the tent or worse yet ending your camp trip all together.

Camping certainly has its challenges. Knowing what to bring and having the proper equipment and accessories is the first hurtle. Once you arrive at your destination and set up you want to keep everyone as comfortable and happy as possible, whether it’s keeping the kids occupied without the use of video games or cooking a surefire dinner. Rest assured that after your first couple of trips when you find out what everyone enjoys doing and you realize all you like to include on your trip, you will certainly add camping to your families list of favorite excursions and traditions. The wonderful thing about camping is its always different, perhaps the site is different or the campground you selected is unique to the last you stayed at, whatever the difference is it always seems to be an adventure that the whole family can enjoy.

by Valerie Gilesfond,

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October 26th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

LLLAre you wanting to try your hand at hiking and camping? Does the sound of the great outdoors, the smell of fresh air, the smell and sound of a campfire under the stars sound appealing to you? Will this be your first camping trip? Well then maybe this article can be of some useful information.

First of all, one of the most important things to do before planning your camping or hiking trip is to let someone know at home or at work details of where you plan to camp or hike, how long you will be gone and any other details about your trip that you can leave that will be helpful in the event of an emergency or you fail to return when you said you would.

So now plan your trip. Where will you go? How do you learn about the area you plan to hike and camp into? Where can I get a map? Make sure you get a map for the area you plan to hike or camp in. Most U.S. Forestry Centers carry free maps of wilderness areas. You can also find maps online and at most outdoor stores. You will also want to check the weather of your camping location and plan accordingly.

So what will I need? What kind of equipment will you need?

Camping requires equipment, and the basic equipment is the same for seasoned experts or those just starting out. While there is plenty of high-quality camping equipment to make your stay outdoors a lot more comfortable, most of these items aren’t necessary, especially for beginners. Choose good quality equipment, but don’t blow your budget buying the most expensive gear. Remember that costly doesn’t always mean top quality.

Here is some basic gear you’ll need for your trip:

Tents: Decide how many people will be sleeping in one tent. You may want to have one tent for adults and one for children if you will be camping with the whole family. For a more comfortable arrangement, purchase a tent that will hold two more people than the number you expect to have sleeping inside.

Sleeping bags: Sleeping bags are graded for temperature and come in different shapes and sizes. Choose sleeping bags that are appropriate for the season and that have a comfortable size.

Cooking and meal equipment: A small, portable propane stove is very handy and makes mealtime as easy as if you were cooking in your own kitchen. You can also purchase a barbecue or find a stove that has both burners and grill. Choose washable dishes and utensils to be environmentally conscious. Don’t forget two plastic bins for washing up!

Coolers and food storage: Choose coolers big enough to allow for blocks of ice. It’s a good idea to have two separate coolers in different sizes as well, one for frozen foods and one for refrigerated foods. Select coolers with a snap-lock lid and handles. Purchase plastic bins to hold food that doesn’t require refrigeration.

Luggage: The best luggage for camping is a cloth bag like as a hockey bag. Stiff-sided luggage doesn’t hold as much clothing and takes up space.

Extras: Buy two tarps – one to use as a ground sheet underneath your tent and one to shelter the tent in the case of rain. Bring some rope for a makeshift clothesline. A nighttime lantern is always handy, especially for trips to the bathroom. You’ll also need a basic survival kit, a cell phone, and a flashlight in case of emergencies. If you’re going on a trip that lasts more than two nights and three days, bring biodegradable soap and shampoo.

When considering extra items to bring, try to think of functional items that fit your lifestyle like as sunscreen, bug spray, a pair of extra sandals, and a doormat for entry to your tent. Browse the aisles of the sporting goods section to determine what other items would be good to bring along.

Don’t get caught up with gadgets and unnecessary items. They’ll just take up space and probably won’t be used more than once, if at all.

Clothing and Packing

Determine how many days you are going camping, determine how many sets of clothes you will need for that period, and then cut that number in half. Pack only the necessities, minimal lgear is key to a great camping trip experience. Hauling, packing, storing, and trying to fit everything in the car before you leave for your trip and when it’s time to come home and unload it all is no fun at all. When you pack, fold each piece of clothing – and then roll it up. Rolled clothing takes up less space than stacked, folded clothing.

Food

Camping involves plenty of planning, and that goes for food planning too. Prepare your menu ahead of time, and have a menu for each meal that includes every item you’ll need. The more detail you have on your menu, the better prepared you’ll be to shop for exactly what you require, no more and no less.

Choose supper meals that you can prepare ahead of time and freeze, and freeze as much as you can in plastic bags to save space. The advantage of freezing food is that you will have “ice” ready for your cooler and not have to buy as many blocks of ice, and the food can safely defrost in the cooler. If it’s frozen tight and you’re planning on eating it that night, transfer the food from your frozen food cooler to the fresh produce cooler. Alternatively, thaw it out by placing the plastic bag in a bucket of cold water.

It’s a good idea to prepare food you can freeze a couple of weeks ahead of time and the rest of the food the day before you leave. Remember, the more you can prepare at home, the less time you’ll have to put into cooking while you camp.

There are tons of other camping tips for beginners, but most camping trips involve common sense, creativity, and keeping calm when things get stressful. Camping is experience you have to try at least once. If all goes well, you will probably want do to it year after year!

A camping trip can be a fun and educational vacation for the whole family. However, for that to be a reality, it’s essential for every family member to be aware of some general and useful rules to follow. Camping tips can keep you from getting frustrated and will make the experience more fun for everyone, especially if you have smaller children. Here are some camping tips you need to consider before you leave:

1. Choose your tent wisely

When choosing a tent the most important things to keep in mind are size, weight and weather rating.

2. Consider pitch position.

When you pitch a tent, one of the best tips to remember is to choose the location very wisely. If you can, try not to sleep on a slope. Think about where the sun comes up, and goes down. Think about some shelter in the day, it’s often useful to have trees on one side of you to provide some natural protection from the heat, or any foraging animals that may decide your tent looks interesting enough to explore. If you plan to have an open fire, be sure that the flames won’t reach any overhanging canopy of branches that could trigger a fire. Take note and follow any posted warning signs and look for animal tracks on the ground. Do not disrupt mother nature.

3. Read.  the instructions!

An obvious but often overlooked camping tip is to read the instructions to learn how to put your tent up before you even go off on your camping trip. If you have a new tent, which you haven’t used yet, and are unfamiliar with how to put it up, it’s a good idea to pitch the tent in your back yard for practice. When you do this see if each pole is marked and if not, take some masking tape and label each piece in a manner that it is foolproof. Mark pole 1 a-b, pole 2 b-c, pole 3 c-d and so on. Also if you return from your trip and your tent is wet, it is a good idea to set it up in the back yard and let it dry out before storing for your next trip.

5. Deal with your food needs appropriately.

You may not know the area you will be camping in very well and therefore not know what shops if any are in the local vicinity. If this is the case, try to take some basic food items with you, so that if you are unable to obtain any extra food, no one will go hungry. If you are planning on cooking all your own meals, make sure the gas cylinders are full, and you have packed everything you need to make meals from scratch. Don’t forget the matches and remember to keep them dry! When you leave your campsite, make sure that all food is out of reach of wildlife. They will rip open boxes and climb trees to reach food if they really want it! It’s a good idea to carry your food in a plastic container so that it will be kept safe, especially if you’ll be camping in areas where there are larger animals, like bears. Keeping the food out of site (and smell) will prevent these dangerous creatures from being lured to your campsite. If you are camping in a location where there are bears it is imperative to use bear boxes. Bears can rip a car apart looking for food and can easily open a cooler and eat its contents if left out overnight.

6. Stay organized.

Be neat, tidy and organized inside of your tent and outside on the campgrounds. Although too much of a routine can be bothersome, having a few general rules is one of those camping tips which prove invaluable in the long term. Simple things such as not allowing dirty shoes inside the tent will not only make the camping trip a cleaner and more enjoyable experience, but also protect the tent’s material making it last longer than it otherwise might. Assign everything a place inside the tent. Also have specific places where things that are often needed can be found so that you aren’t fumbling in the dark and waking others looking for a flashlight or spending hours hunting for the matches.

7. Leave no trace.

Once your camping trip is at an end, make sure you tidy up after yourself, leaving no trace you were even there. If using a private or public campsite, this is essential, since people arriving will be arrive to use the same spot after you’ve left.

8. Prepare for next time.

You should be preparing for your next camping trip from the moment you end the current one. This means packing away all your equipment, including the tent in a way that makes it easy and simple to start the next camping trip. Make sure the tent goes away dry (if it’s raining as you pack up, air the tent out once you get home) and clean so that it’s suitable to use without any fuss in future. As you pack away, make a note of any equipment you may need to buy, such as new pegs or a replacement gas bottle. Also make a note as to items that need to be repaired.

Camping Code of Ethics

While traveling to your favorite camping spot, stay on designated roads and trails. It is a good idea to follow best practices for negotiating terrain for your type of travel. Don’t disturb the natural habitat by creating new routes or expanding on an existing trail. When you come to a stream, only cross at fords where the road or trail crosses the stream. When you come to a posted sign, comply with all the signs and barriers, they are there for a reason. It is always a good idea to go camping with two or three campers. Traveling solo can leave you vulnerable just in case you have an accident or breakdown. Always leave details with someone at home before leaving as to; where you are planning to go camping, how long you plan to be gone, and any other details that could be helpful in the event of an emergency or if you do not return when you planned. Respect the rights of others including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed. Be considerate of others on the road, trail, or campground.

Keep noise to a minimum especially in the early morning and evening hours. Be considerate of other campers’ privacy, keep your distance and avoid traveling through their campsites.

Camping supplies in natural colors blend with natural surroundings and are less intrusive to other campers’ experiences.

Leave gates as you find them.

If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner.

When driving yield to horses, hikers, and bikers.

Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely.

Obtain a map of your destination and determine which areas are open to your type of travel.

Make a realistic plan, and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans.

Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements.

Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment, and supplies accordingly. Carry a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and know how to use them. Prepare for the unexpected by packing emergency items. Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lake shores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitat and sensitive soils from damage.

Other sensitive habitats to avoid unless on designated routes include cryptobiotic soils of the desert, tundra, and seasonal nesting or breeding areas. Avoid disturbing historical, archaeological, and paleontological sites. Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife you encounter and keep your distance. Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in areas designated Wilderness. Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization. Pack out what you pack in.

Carry a trash bag and pick up litter left by others.

Repackage snacks and food in baggies. This reduces weight and amount of trash to carry out.

Whenever possible, use existing campsites. Camp on durable surfaces and place tents on a non-vegetated area. Do not dig trenches around tents. Camp a least 200 feet from water, trails, and other campsites. For cooking, use a camp stove. They are always preferable to a campfire in terms of impact on the land. Observe all fire restrictions. If you must build a fire use existing fire rings, build a mound fire or use a fire pan. For campfires, use only fallen timber. Gather firewood well away from your camp. Do not cut standing trees. Let your fire burn down to a fine ash. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished. Do not wash in steams and lakes. Detergents, toothpaste and soap harm fish and other aquatic life. Wash 200 feet away from streams and lakes. Scatter gray water so it filters through the soil. In areas without toilets, use a portable latrine if possible and pack out your waste, otherwise it’s necessary to bury your waste. Human waste should be disposed of in a shallow hole (6″-8″ deep) at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, or trails. Cover and disguise the hole with natural materials. It is recommended to pack out your toilet paper. High use areas may have other restrictions so check with a land manager.

Hopefully this was useful camping information. Enjoy the great outdoors and please leave it the great outdoors when you pack up and go home.

by Lance Szelawant

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October 25th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

KKKKThe very thought of a camping adventure will bring to mind a trekker with a backpack on his back and a good pair of shoes, probably dressed in a pair of jeans and a jacket hiking off into the wilderness in search of a spot to pitch his or her tent and live with nature for the next few days. Tent camping is a way to be one with nature and take time off far from the madding crowd to rewind and rejuvenate your senses. There are many things you could do while camping, you could choose to fish in a stream or lake, go boating, play ball or just spend some quiet time bird watching.

There is actually no dearth of activities you could choose to do during your tent camping trip.

There are many places you could go to pitch your tent and enjoy a few nights under the open sky. West chester County camping grounds are a welcoming spot for many campers as are the New York City camping Parks. You could also choose to camp along the rocky shores of Maine’s Acadia national Park or along the Wild River in the Alaskan Peninsula. What I mean is that there is no limit to the places you can take your camping gear and pitch your tent for an enjoyable tent camping vacation.

One will notice I am using the term ‘tent camping’ in this article, this is because many camping enthusiasts feel that their favorite pastime has been hijacked and given a new meaning by the many people who do not with to put in the required effort and foot it to the camping spots. They would rather drive out there in their cars and campers complete with their equipment that makes for an apartment on wheels. Conventional campers feel that this is not a true form of camping.

However, we do live in a free state and people are free to choose their activities and name them too. So lets just stick to the form of camping better known as tent camping.

Tent camping involves basic equipment such as a tent that needs to be pitched on two rods and tied to four pegs driven into the ground at the four corners of the tent. The tent is typically slanting to the ground on either side with the two opposite ends forming a triangle with the ground. Then there is the sleeping bag and sleeping rug or ‘trap’ used to keep the moisture and water out of the tent. Finally there is the cooking equipment complete with a compact stove. All this is packed into a back pack and carried to the camping spot on foot.

Setting up a tent and spending some time in the lap of nature, cooking your food on a wood fire and moving on as and when you wish is a very exciting way of unwinding and rejuvenating your senses

by Abhishek Agarwal

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October 25th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

JJJJJThere are lots of websites for camping supplies. These websites are a great source of camping products which are of good quality as well as at the best possible prices.,hunting or hiking. When looking for camping supplies online, you can browse different websites for it and find lots of varieties of camping gear.

Websites for camping supplies offer wide range of brands as well varieties of camping supplies. You can search for these websites for camping supplies on any popular search engine. You can compare the prices of the required equipments and then decide on the best deal possible.

While shopping online, you can see lots of catalogs, and choose the desired equipments within the comforts of your home. Whatever you may need in your equipments, be it from basic one to more advanced ones, it is all there just fingertips away. There are also many websites for camping supplies that offer equipments at discounted prices. Different branded camping equipments are also available at discounted prices.

Search engines are a good place to get the list of websites for camping equipments. You can either find the company of camping supplies by simply entering the keyword of the brand you searching for. The other way of searching is also by typing the name of the equipment you looking for to get the information regarding the stuff. You will be surprised to see the search results, as you will find the number of websites for camping supplies being flashed.

You will have wide choice of websites to choose from. You can also find a bigger list of websites for camping supplies offering their equipments at discounted prices. Online shopping is time saving and very comfortable one, than doing from retail stores.

If in case you are searching for camping cooking equipments, websites for camping supplies is are a good place to look these things for. However, if you plan to prepare your meals on the campfire, you can find compact nesting cookware sets that are simple to store and can also be kept for personal use.

If you plan to prepare meals for the entire group of campers or your whole family at the campsite, websites for camping supplies dealing in cookware give good choices for the feast at campfire.

Dutch ovens which are made from cast iron and are deep, large to be ideal for use in making stew,cobbler,chili and many types of desserts and meals at the campsite. Websites for camping supplies also offer portable grills, stoves, which includes grills with four legs which can be used on campfire for cooking and also can be used with charcoal, propane, butane and alcohol stoves.

Other types of cooking supplies that you may need during camping includes storage containers, cookware sets, knives, cutting board, and coolers. Make a list of the cookware that you may need at the campsite during camping so that to avoid forgetting anything important, like tongs, spice sets, spatulas, and lighters.

When you decide to buy furniture for camping then getting it from websites for camping supplies is the best decision to make as you will get the furniture at a much cheaper cost than they sell in the retail shops. Inclusion of camping furniture in your camping trip is sure to make your camping trip comfortable. You may take RV for your camping vacation in order to get more space for storage of you equipments. Having tables and chairs makes you more comfortable at the campsite and these foldable chairs and tables can easily be stored. Camping cots can also add some more comfort to your camping trip.

by Abhishek

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October 25th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

IIIIAnything out of the ordinary is adventurous and anything adventurous is sure fun! That makes sense right? Why do you think people enjoy outdoor adventures such as skiing, rafting, etc? It’s because of the satisfaction and fun they got from adventurous activities they’re doing. Such is also true with motor cycle camping trailer; why do you think people who have motor cycle camping trailer loves and enjoy their stuffs? It’s because they love having it, motor cycle camping trailer. Besides, having a motor cycle camping trailer is indeed a great help especially when you’re always into camping and camping trips. Motor cycle camping trailer is also a big help when you’re moving around things in the neighborhood; transferring garden supplies, household supplies, etc.

It is indeed fun to have motor cycle camping trailer, it helps you a lot not just with your camping activities but household chores as well. So, in choosing your motor cycle camping trailer, be sure to do it wisely; choose motor cycle camping trailer that ill fit your camping demands. It is also wise to have a motor cycle camping trailer that will go with your lifestyle and personal preferences so you two won’t be a misfit together after a time. Like choosing camping gears, choose motor cycle camping trailer that are fit for any terrain and camp grounds so you can bring and use it along every time you camp. There are few tips in buying and choosing motor cycle camping trailer.

The first tip in buying motor cycle camping trailer is that you should choose a motor cycle camping trailer that is light but still have the quality of a good trailer. Go for a motor cycle camping trailer that weighs enough; the lesser the weight of the motor cycle camping trailer, the less cargo it can carry. However, do not get a motor cycle camping trailer that weighs more than 300 pounds if you don’t want a heavy feel at the back of your motor cycle camping trailer. Next tip is that choose a motor cycle camping trailer that is not much wider than a dressed out touring bike with saddle bags. You need this kind of motor cycle camping trailer for a better maneuvering capability and good riding condition. Also, choose a motor cycle camping trailer with a proper height and front specifications to avoid the so-called “enveloping exhaust gas bubble” that can cause headaches.

Your motor cycle camping trailer should also have tire and bearings that are readily available in case you have to replace it on the road for unexpected circumstances. Lastly, choose a motor cycle camping trailer that are designed top give you enough space and the type that you can use effectively on all camping occasions. Now that you know what kind of motor cycle camping trailer you should get, be sure to handle it with proper care and maintenance so it’ll give you good service and additional performance to your bike. There are manuals available for you that provide information about motor cycle camping trailer and how to take good care of them. You’ll also get to know the essence of your motor cycle camping trailer with these manuals as well as the essence of each motorcycle camping trailer parts.

by Raymond Brookside

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October 25th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

HHHTired of packing too much or not bringing critical camping gear for your camping trips?

Camping trips can be a great way to relax and get away from it all. But with a little planning you could make them even better. Since different areas offer different challenges start off by making a camping list and/or hiking gear list you might need. This will also help get you started…

Are there any wildlife that may be an issue on your trip? Bears, raccoons, snakes, spiders, and mosquitoes are just a handful of wildlife to consider on your camp trips.

What weather is possible? Pack the right gear for the trip. Does the weather vary much? Do you need rain gear? Does the temperature fluctuate between extremes like it does in the desert or are biting insects a problem? If it’s a trip you haven’t taken before ask someone who has or call your guide or host.

What do you want to do? Are you taking a camping trip to relax or are you looking for full physical involvement? Do you want to camp only, or would you like to throw in some hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, or mountain biking into the mix?

Do you like rustic camping or do you think flush toilets and warm running water are a good thing. If you like traveling in RV comfort, are looking for tips, or if you need help selecting a campground, take a look at Your RV Lifestyle before your next camping trip.

Consider your level of fitness. Your level of fitness will determine how much you enjoy your trip. If you’re going to be doing demanding activities be honest with yourself and make sure you’re up to the challenge, because pushing yourself too far will only make you miserable.

Camping trips in remote locations may require different transportation than you’re used to… how are you going to get there. Is help easily available if you need it?

Do you need topographic maps because you’re wanting to get away into the back country?

If you’re hiring an outfitter ask what’s included and expected of you regarding the camping tours you’re considering. If you’re camping at various sites do you have to carry your own hiking gear or other equipment used for camping or will your host take care of it? Do they provide food or shelter?

Is the camping trip “kid appropriate”? Do they have guest references you can check with to make sure your trip is a good one? Do they carry insurance or do you need to get your own?

by Marc Wiltse

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October 25th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

GGGDehydrate/freeze-dried camping food is great for hiking, backpacking, or camping meals because you don’t have to keep it cold to avoid spoiling. While coolers/refrigerators can work well in some situations, ice or electricity isn’t always available making dehydrated/freeze dried food very attractive. While removing the water helps preserve camping food it also has another benefit… Camping, backpacking, or hiking food that’s freeze-dried or dehydrated can reduce weight by sixty to ninety percent. If you’re carrying a backpack or other hiking gear with a few days worth of camping food and supplies this can make a BIG difference. As with any prepackaged food you’ll probably find most camping food portion/serving sizes extremely optimistic or after a long day of hiking…laughable. I’m not sure who dreamed up the system but keep it in mind when you’re buying it because otherwise you’ll probably be going hungry, or if you’re carrying a pack all day you might even be undernourished. Something else to keep in mind is the design of the container itself. The containers with corners can make it difficult for the boiling water to mix with the camping food leaving dry spots. Also tall narrow containers make it almost impossible to reach inside with a spoon without getting as messy as a two year-old, as you work your way down to the bottom. (A quick fix is to trim off the top as you eat.) And if you’re a light eater or use them after wards for trash some of the containers have a “ziplock” type of closure which can come in handy, if they’re not trimmed to ribbons. Some camping foods can now be heated with a heating pouch by adding water to a chemical heating source. The advantage is there’s no flame. The drawback is they weigh more than the pouch by itself and there’s more trash to dispose of properly. So it may be better to just bring a small stove if you’re backpacking. Camping food offers trade offs. While it isn’t usually gourmet that doesn’t mean it has to be bad. After all a gourmet meal would make for a lot of extra weight and inconvenience. Not my idea of a fun trip. The reason people buy it is because it’s light, convenient, and it can provide a quick hot meal. As for taste… If you’d like more information on camping food please click here for the complete article. Also you may want to take a look at a related article on camping stove performance, ease-of-use & what to avoid.
by Marc Wiltse

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October 24th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

FFFSo, what’s our experience you want to know? Whom are we to tell you what to do about camping? Instead of asking more questions, read the entire article and by the time you are finished you will have all the answers. Before you go anywhere, decide what kind of camping experience you want. Are you looking for real rugged, outdoors along with bears? Then choose most of the Pennsylvania State Parks. Looking for more civilized camping, try the New York State Parks. FIRST, TOTAL ESSENTIALS for comfortable camping (in state parks):

  • Know that camping inside a state park is no safer than camping or living anywhere else in the country.
  • So, security, health and safety should be on your mind before you begin your trip.
  • As a beginner, you will do well by first calling the state parks office and asking for a map of the place and any or all brochures of the campsites. You can find this information online also at the park’s websites.
  • IF this is your first time camping out, take a buddy, and also choose a campsite that is closest to the park office (if there is one) and closest to the bathrooms, showers or soda machines. (Some sites have those).
  • Look at the map and note whether there are bathrooms or outhouses (Yes, there are some that still have outhouses, i.e. in Pennsylvania and in Ohio). Choose what you like and then select your park or campsite.
  • Research the temperature of the climate that you will be visiting; check for upcoming storms and bad weather . PLAN your trip.
  • INQUIRE about the park’s regulations on animals. (You can find out if you can bring a pet or not).
  • Do not bring any pets, even if allowed into certain country campsites (where there might be wildlife). You risk your pet getting diseases and you risk your pet getting eaten, maimed or killed. You also attract bears by bringing pets into the campsites. (Some campsites have bears because they are in the middle of game lands or in the middle of vast state parks).
  • IF you must bring a pet, bring a kennel, minimal wet food, and bring gear to dispose of the food and waste. (Leave no trace)!
  • If you want a campsite that has it’s own library (in camp season), visit Wildwood State Park in New Jersey.
  • If you want a real wilderness experience, visit most of the Pennsylvania state parks.
  • If you want “civilized” camping, (with real showers, restrooms, electricity to charge your phones, water spigots at campsites) try Hecksher State Park in Long Island, New York.
  • If you want to feel like you have been to HEAVEN-on earth- make your reservation nine months in advance and reserve your spot at Hither Hills State Park in the Hamptons, New York. This place is every bit worth the wait and the preparation. (Bring zip lock bags and waterproof bags because this is the wettest campsite around – just a few feet from our ocean). We woke up in the morning and found EVERYTHING damp – money soaked, etc, even though we camped 30 feet from the ocean and the ocean never touched out campsite. The moisture in this place is unbelievable. (If you bring electronics here – your phone, etc, bring a water bucket and store your electronics in there to keep them dry.

Those, listed above, are just the basics. Other things to prepare for. What if it rains? You can buy a small tarp at the dollar store or at any hardware store. Place this tarp over your tent if it rains. Most tents are not waterproof and even the ones that advertise that can be a little wet in a bad storm. THINGS TO KEEP YOU DRY:

  1. Old, clean shower curtains.
  2. Tarps.
  3. Old, clean plastic table cloths.
  4. Rain ponchos (as opposed to rain coats). Ponchos , large ones can double as tent cover.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Keep food OUT of the tent at all times. This gives you good camping background training. Even if you are camping out in a place where there is no wildlife, get into the habit of eating OUTSIDE and far from your tent. Then when you do camp out where there are bears, you already have good camping habits. Besides, keeping food out is the same as keeping uncovered food out of your bedroom. You do not want to attract bugs or other creatures that might be hiding anywhere in the building or anywhere outdoors.
  • At Hecksher State Park, you might find unwelcome visitors (little people) trying to come in your tent when you are gone (to the pool, etc), so bring along “cable ties” and use them to lock your tent up while you are away . Cut the ties with a manicure scissor or small wire cutter when you return. You can purchase cable ties anywhere in most cities. This cable tie lets you know if anyone has “visited” your campsite while you were away. If the cable tie is broken when you get back, fully inspect your tent for rips, bugs and other creatures that might have entered while your tent was being visited. It is important to check for spiders in this campsite. Spiders are rampant all over Hecksher. You see them when you take the fly off of your tent before leaving. You will view unbelievable collections of spiders under and near your tent.
  • When camping with kids or camping and using ‘gear” – baseballs etc. Set up a tiny ‘gear tent”. You can buy a child’s tent for under twelve dollars. By storing gear in this separate tent, you save wear and tear on your regular tent’s zipper and also keep the tent CLOSED to all the insects and other things around the campsite. You will sleep better at night knowing that your main tent zipper was only opened a few times as opposed to having the door opened continuously all day to get “gear” out. This saves the floor of your tent also.
  • If you are determined to have a dry tent in a very rainy season or wet campsite. Put a large TARP on the floor of your tent. This will keep most of the floor dry and will make you happy.
  • Many people use TARPS on the outside of the tent, under the tent, so they have no messy mud on the bottom of the tent when they are ready to pack up. (YOU can have mud on the floor bottom, underneath, even if it is not raining outside; so use the tarps). IF You use the outdoors tarp under your tent, the tarp must be SMALLER than the bottom of the tent. You do not want any of the tarp sticking outside the tent on the floor. If that happens, all the rain will pool in the small bits of tarp that show and the rain will seep underneath your entire tent.

VITALLY IMPORTANT: If you are camping at a NEW place for the first time and you have children or babies that you are bringing on this camping trip – PLAN a trip BEFORE your regular camping trip and go there without the children or babies. Camp there alone first. We did this once, just as a precaution. We didn’t know anything about Hecksher and we went camping there first before we planned to take children there. Good Plan!! What we discovered is that this particular state park is the QUEEN of Mosquito Heaven! Within less then 20 minutes that we were there, we had mosquito bites all over our body. (This doesn’t happen at all parks. Hecksher is notorious for mosquitoes and spiders. So, on the regular trip with the kids, we took lots of repellent and we knew what to do . So, when camping ANYWHERE with children, visit the site yourself first–without bringing the kids, just in case there is something that you should know about that particular camping site. Wherever you camp, these things are essential:

  • water-tight bags, water proof bags
  • flashlights, batteries, or solar flashlights
  • plastic bucket or pail
  • soap and disinfectant
  • bug spray
  • tarps/ tent /tarp
  • and other camping basics (Read our other articles about camping)
  • Water and or the ability to find or locate water (pack iodine water-purifying pills if you can)

by Linda Lin

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October 24th, 2009 | in Camping, Fishing, Hiking | Leave a comment

EEECamping can be one of the most rewarding recreational activities that a person can embark upon. However, when considering going on a camping trip, there are many items one must consider before jaunting off into the wilderness. If you are new to the camping scene, there are a lot more things to consider than one would think. To begin with, if you are going on any kind of a camping trip at all, camping gear is a necessity and it is often far more than some tent and sleeping bag. There are several things to consider, especially the tent size, various accessories such as sleeping bags and lanterns, the number of people going along with you, and of course good  supplies.

If you are going into a terrain that has a very cold climate, the first assessor you might want to consider bringing along is a sleeping bag. Although there are compromises in price and value that can be made in a variety of stores, you will want to focus upon quality opposed to the damage that will be done to your pocketbook when you are considering your own health and safety. Taking into consideration the temperature that the bag will handle, and the size of the person that it will fit, are probably the most important things to consider with a sleeping bag.

Other accessories would include lanterns, cooking utensils, a way to cook the food that you bring, the food itself, and any kind of safety supplies in case of accidents or in case you simply get lost while camping in an unfamiliar area. Likewise with all of the accessories, getting the best in camping gear is not always cheap but it also does not have to drain your wallet if you can find these accessories on sale. It is possible to find good quality camping gear at a reasonable price.

Buying a tent that is not only weatherproof but that will also fit the amount of people going on the trip is a large consideration as well. Although we all know that ordinarily when a tent says it’s a four man that usually means that at best it will fit three people comfortably. And this comfort level  factor is not taking into consideration any inflatable mattresses and luggage that you will bring on your trip. Simply put, the number that the tents give is for extreme backpackers who plan on sleeping cosily inside the tent. Therefore, it is best to supersize any tent purchase in order to safely and adequately fulfill your needs and the needs of others that may be coming along with you.

Another item of camping gear one needs to take into consideration if you are camping over a few days is a camping stove. Camping stoves can be bought in most outdoor stores and again, they do not have to be big and bulky to serve their purpose. Small stoves can be found that only require some oil to light up and travel size pots can fit on top.

If you are bringing small children with you, especially young children, will have to take a lot more into consideration than those traveling alone or in a group of peers. Certain precautions need to be taken by all campers but when there are children, there is a lot more to worry about. When purchasing any of the camping gear, make sure that it is safe for children and that it can allow for the overzealous activities that children usually preoccupy themselves with which may have to do with testing the durability of all of your equipment. Therefore, again, it may be more expensive to buy the cheap camping gear opposed to the expensive camping gear that is built to last.

Camping is an adventure for most people that embark upon it. Some will not enjoy interacting with the wilderness. However, by purchasing the correct camping equipment that will provide comfort for all of the parties involved, it will make your camping trip much more enjoyable because you chose to purchase quality camping gear that will probably last you for generations to come.
by Michael Kohle

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